Low Care
Residential low care, sometimes referred to as hostel accommodation, is for elderly people requiring some assistance with the demands of daily living, but who do not have complex ongoing care needs. Accommodation in a low care residential facility typically requires the payment of a residential bond and a weekly service fee. The bond is refunded, less a small percentage, at the time of discharge. The bond amount and service fee is subject to income and asset testing. The amount varies amongst providers and is subject to determination by Commonwealth Government legislation (see Admission & Fees for further details of Royal Freemasons charges).
Typically, residential low care includes resident's accommodation requirements and related services. These comprise of provision of your own bedroom, bathroom and access to shared facilities such as lounges, dining rooms and other shared spaces. Bedrooms and communal spaces are fully furnished, bedding is supplied, clothing washed and dried, essential toiletries, cleaning services and all meals provided. All maintenance of buildings and gardens is taken care of and qualified staff are on call to provide emergency assistance as may be required. Recreation activities are also offered, including regular outings and trips to local shopping centres.
In addition a range of personal care services are provided depending on the needs of each individual resident. These may include assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, going to the toilet, eating, dressing, moving around, maintaining continence or managing incontinence, rehabilitation support and assistance in obtaining health and therapy services.
As the Commonwealth Government subsidises much of the cost associated with the provision of residential low care, regional Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS) determine eligibility for admission. Royal Freemasons are unable to accept admissions unless an ACAS assessment has been made and has determined that low level residential care is required. An ACAS assessment can be arranged through your own doctor or community health centre.
Royal Freemasons provides 150 low level care places at Coppin Community Hostel, located adjacent to St Kilda Road. Currently admissions have been suspended, except in exceptional circumstances or if residents are transferring for one of our Retirement Living developments, pending the redevelopment of the site. Admissions are expected to recommence in 2011.
Low-level care is for people who need some help, but do not have very complex ongoing care needs.
Low care includes:
- Accommodation-related services - furnishings, bedding, general laundry, some toiletries, cleaning services, all meals, maintenance of buildings and grounds, and the provision of staff on call to provide emergency assistance, and
- Personal care services - assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, going to the toilet, eating, dressing, moving around, maintaining continence or managing incontinence, rehabilitation support, and assistance in obtaining health and therapy services.
